The Ultimate Can Chimps Learn Language Quiz

Because they share 98 percent of human DNA, researchers over the years have wondered whether chimpanzees can learn human language. Apart from Planet of the Apes, chimps don't yet engage in spontaneous communication with their trainers. Take this quiz and learn about some of the fascinating things happening in this field.

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Question 1 of 20

What is a unique trait that separates humans from animals?

morality

use of verbal language

The use of language to convey subtle or complex messages is one big difference.

etiquette

Question 2 of 20

What was the chimpanzee Washoe famous for?

She was able to organize cards with words into sentences.

She was able to identify objects according to voice commands.

She learned American Sign Language.

She learned some 130 signs in American Sign Language.

Question 3 of 20

How many signs did the chimp Nim memorize?

150

Nim memorized 150 signs.

175

200

Question 4 of 20

What was the conclusion of researchers?

The chimp was mainly responding to clues given by its trainer.

The chimp imitated but could not initiate communication.

They concluded that the proficiency resulted from imitation, but there was no ability to engage in spontaneous communication.

Communication was very rudimentary at best.

Question 5 of 20

What did scientists find during apes' signing or communicating?

Their facial expressions tended to mimic those of the trainer.

The chimps focused on the face of the trainer for clues.

The areas of the brain activated were the same as when humans speak.

The chimpanzee communication activated the same areas of the brain as human language.

Question 6 of 20

What areas of the brain are activated when humans speak?

Broca's area and Wernicke's area

They are mainly Broca's area and Wernicke's area.

left hemisphere

planum temporale

Question 7 of 20

What is the difference between language and communication?

Non verbal communication is more precise.

Language is far more complex and versatile.

Language is more complex with millions of words as well as tone and pitch.

Because language has to be learned it is in fact a more primitive form of communication.

Question 8 of 20

How does FOXP2 affect humans?

It helps control facial muscles used in speech.

It operates on the vocal chords.

It codes for human speech capabilities

The gene FOXP2 codes for our language abilities.

Question 9 of 20

According to the vocal theory, how did speech begin?

Changes in the mouth and larynx as well as enlargement of the brain facilitated speech development.

It states that changes in the mouth and larynx, as well as enlargement of the brain, enabled the natural vocalizations to develop into speech.

As primitive man acquired knowledge the leaders began assigning sounds to specific actions.

While hunting man needed to communicate more complex thoughts and so sounds became more vocalized

Question 10 of 20

What have studies found regarding fetuses?

Fetuses can not only hear but also utter sounds.

Fetuses enjoy rhythmic music.

Fetuses can differentiate between male and female voices.

They found that fetuses can differentiate between male and female voices.

Question 11 of 20

What does Broca's area control?

sound analysis

language production

It controls language production.

controls mouth muscles

Question 12 of 20

And what is the function of Wernicke's area?

Analysis and organization of what you hear.

This area analyses and organizes what you hear.

Signals mouth to form words.

Prepares the appropriate tongue movements.

Question 13 of 20

After entering the ear, where are sounds initially identified?

auditorium

temporal plane

primary auditory cortex

The primary auditory cortex identifies the sounds and then sends them to Wernicke's area for interpretation.

Question 14 of 20

What does the primary motor cortex do?

Operates the vocal chords.

Signals the larynx and mouth to form words.

It signals the larynx and mouth to form the words selected in Broca's area.

Determines the facial expression that will accompany the words.

Question 15 of 20

A portion of tissue in Wernicke's area is known as planum temporale, what does it do?

It filters out extraneous noise to help us hear better.

It helps us determine the tone of what we heard.

It plays a major role in understanding what we hear.

This area plays a major role in understanding what we hear. It is also known as the "language center."

Question 16 of 20

Since it is asymmetrical in shape, where does the bulk of it reside?

left hemisphere

The bulk resides in the left hemisphere.

frontal lobes

right hemisphere

Question 17 of 20

What is a lexigram?

series of three-dimensional shapes

symbolic word representations

It is a series of symbolic word representations created by primatologist Susan Savage-Rumbaugh.

flexible material used to point at objects

Question 18 of 20

Who are Kanzi and Panbanisha?

early researchers into primate communication

forms of primate communication

bonobo pygmy chimps

They are bonobo pygmy chimps Susan Savage-Rumbaugh has worked with in her research.

Question 19 of 20

How do the chimps communicate?

They point to lexigrams on special keyboards.

They use specialized keyboards with lexigrams and point to the lexigrams to indicate words or short sentences.

They pick up cards with images on them.

They tap their feet on the appropriate word on a flash card.

Question 20 of 20

What is the relevance of the arcuate fasciculus?

transfers signals from the brain to the mouth

controls non-instigated communication

connect language centers of the brain

This bundle of nerves connects the language centers of the brain. In humans these nerves were more widespread in humans than in chimps, implying greater ability to analyze and contextualize linguistic information.